7 Shoes Our Fashion Editors Are Retiring This Autumn and 7 They're Wearing Instead

When it comes to footwear trends, the autumn/winter 2025 collections have ushered in a new mood—after years of chunky, thick soles there has been a shift towards a sleeker, more streamlined aesthetic. There has been a move away from lug sole boots, bulky trainers and platforms that require ankle strength to lift them—shoes that all flourished in our re-emergence after the pandemic—and a move towards more refined, and in many ways simple, shoes.

On my own wishlist for autumn, for example, is a pair of supple lace-up Derby shoes that are more of a jazz shoe than a ballet pump, along with a pair of no-fuss black leather knee-high boots that will go with everything. The colour palette is equally refined, as you’ll find that all of autumn’s trending shoe styles come realised in rich chocolate brown shades.

Whether you opt for a pair of suede retro runners, a fitted glove boot or pointed mule, autumn’s trending shoes won’t detract attention from your outfits or command attention. However they are designed to be ground almost every outfit and slot into your everyday wardrobe rotation, making them a sensible and long-lasting investment.

If you are investing in a new pair of boots, flats or trainers for the months ahead, see below for our guide to the shoes our editors think are worth investing in, and the ones they are temporarily retiring for the winter season. Leave the peacocking behind and turn to beautifully made, wear-with-anything shoes instead.

5 Shoe Trends Our Editors Aren't Wearing This Autumn and 5 They Are:

1. Retiring: Chunky, Lug-Sole Boots

Buying: Sleek, Fitted Glove Boots

Style Notes: The lug-sole movement has finally started waning, after years of wearing chunky stomping boots. Whether you bought the Bottega Veneta originals or a Zara iteration, save these for laps around the park or countryside weekends, and consider a sleeker pair of fitted gloves boots for your everyday plans. It's a trend that took hold on the runways, seen at Miu Miu, Givenchy and Toteme, and will act as a sophisticated foundation to all of your autumn outfits.

Shop the Look:

THE ROW

Uxor Suede Ankle Boots

SAINT LAURENT

Francoise Leather Knee Boots

ACNE STUDIOS

Leather Knee Boots

Reformation

Belinda Knee High Boot

ARKET

Wedge Ankle Boots In Black

2. Retiring: Mesh Mary-Janes and Other Magpie Flats

Buying: Derby and Oxford Shoes

Style Notes: Instead of magpie flats, such as mesh Mary-Janes or crystal-embellished ballet pumps, for autumn 2025 there is a rise of sensible, scholarly flats, whether that’s loafers, lace-up Derby shoes or sturdy Oxfords. We particularly love Derbies that have a soft, jazz shoe-style quality to them, and were seen in Michael Rider’s debut collection for Celine for spring/summer 2025.

Shop the Look:

CHURCH'S

Nelly Glossed-Leather Derby Shoes

LEMAIRE

Souris Leather Brogues

CHURCH'S

Shannon Wr Leather Derby Shoes

Repetto

Zizi Oxford Shoes

3. Retiring: Chunky Trainers

Buying: Streamlined Runners

Style Notes: When it comes to trainers, there is a shift towards sleeker, streamlined silhouettes with retro design details, such as racer red colourways, suede finishes and nostalgic runner details. Dries Van Noten is leading this trend and the hype surrounding its sneakers shows no sign of slowing down. Unlike a chunky sole, these also unlock more styling options, as they look just as good with office-ready tailoring as sportswear.